sin αst

DESIGN EVALUATION
Weaknesses
1) The wind turbine performance data is calculated from the BEM theory, which in-
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volves assumptions and idealisations that do not occur in reality. The divergence be-
tween modelled performance and real performance is unknown, since no prototype
tests are performed as a part of the present project.
2) In accordance with the demands of EWB the wind turbine is designed for an IEC
Class IV site, which has an average wind speed of 6 m/s. If used at a site with a higher
average wind speed, the structural integrity of the wind turbine will have to be re-
verified
Opportunities
1) Full compliance with IEC 61400-2 may be obtained if the remaining tasks, defined in
chapter 12, are carried out in accordance with this standard.
2) An alternative airfoil design can potentially be used to achieve a production-wise
simpler blade.
3) The working principles of the wind turbine are highly scalable. Hence a 4 kW design
variant might be developed by scaling the components of the current design pro-
posal.
Threats
1) The permanent magnets used for the generator are relatively expensive and their
availability in developing countries may be low.
2) Certain parts of the wind turbine, e.g. the electrical system and the generator, are not
fully covered by this project thesis. These components may therefore cause problems
that cannot be foreseen at the current stage of development. Further elaboration of
what is not covered by the present work is be found in chapter 12.
11.1 Summary
A statement was made of how well the demands and wishes of the requirement list are
met by the proposed design. It was found that the demands were all met and it was thus
concluded that the design is useful for the intended purpose. It was further concluded
that the solution is of considerable quality as the product wishes are fulfilled to a high
degree.
A SWOT analysis was used to additionally identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities
and threats of the design.